Asthma is a serious condition, and every attack carries the risk of becoming life-threatening. The heartbreaking and sudden death of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons serves as a sobering reminder of just how dangerous asthma can be when life-saving medication is not readily available.

Ryan was an active, adventurous boy who loved riding motorbikes and exploring nature. He enjoyed hiking through the woods and living life to the fullest. But one tragic mistake at his school would ultimately cost him his life. In 2012, Ryan suffered a severe asthma attack during school hours. He could have survived the episode if he had immediate access to his inhaler. However, due to his school’s policy, his inhaler had been taken away and locked up, out of reach when he needed it most.

On October 9, Ryan, a seventh-grade student, headed off to school like any other ordinary day. Sadly, it would be the last time he would ever do so. While playing soccer with his classmates, Ryan began experiencing a serious asthma attack. In desperate need of his inhaler to clear his airways and breathe, he quickly realized that his rescue medication was locked in the school office. As the attack intensified, Ryan was unable to breathe, and his friends rushed to help him. A group of classmates tried to carry him to the office, hoping to get him the inhaler in time—but it was too late. Ryan collapsed before reaching the medication and was never revived.

The tragedy unfolded at Elgin County School in Ontario, Canada, and sent shockwaves throughout the nation. It sparked outrage and sorrow, especially when it was revealed that Ryan had previously attempted to bring an extra inhaler to school, only to have it confiscated multiple times. Despite his mother, Sandra Gibbons, providing a doctor’s note requesting that Ryan be allowed to carry his inhaler, the school insisted on following its strict policy of locking all medications in the principal’s office.

Sandra explained that Ryan would often try to bring a spare inhaler to school, attempting to sidestep the rule that was endangering his life. But school officials would regularly contact Sandra, informing her that they had taken the inhaler from Ryan and that it was available for her to pick up. Ryan was not permitted to bring it back home, and he was repeatedly caught with an inhaler he so desperately needed.

“You would give him an inhaler, but then he would get caught with the inhaler and then it would be taken away,” Sandra told CBC News. “Then I’d get a phone call. So it was actually very frustrating. I didn’t understand why. I didn’t realize that the policy actually stated that the prescribed medication needed to be in the office.”

Asthma attacks often strike without warning, and restricting access to inhalers can prove fatal. Sandra’s frustration soon turned into determination as she realized that Ryan’s death was not only preventable but also the result of a flawed policy that could potentially threaten other children’s lives.

Following Ryan’s funeral, Sandra vowed to prevent other families from experiencing the same pain. She launched a petition aimed at the Ontario government, calling for standardized asthma management protocols in schools. She advocated for the passage of a private member’s bill introduced by Progressive Conservative MPP Jeff Yurek, which would allow children to carry their inhalers at all times with a doctor’s note.

Sandra’s efforts were driven by a powerful sense of purpose. “When Ryan passed away, it was like losing everything that I lived for,” she told Allergic Living. “After burying my son, I knew that this was a preventable attack. To me, if people had appropriate training and knew what to look for when a child was in distress, he would be here today.”

Her campaign for change did not go unnoticed. Sandra’s advocacy led to the creation and eventual passage of Bill 135, commonly known as Ryan’s Law. The law requires schools in Ontario to permit students to carry their inhalers in their pockets or backpacks, provided they have authorization from a doctor. It received support from all political parties and became a legislative milestone in protecting children with asthma.

Sandra expressed both relief and gratitude following the law’s enactment. “I’m definitely overwhelmed, very emotional, very happy it’s going to be implemented,” she said. The law has been praised by medical professionals, including Dr. Rob Oliphant, president of the Asthma Society of Canada, who noted, “It is essential that children with asthma have ready access to potentially life-saving asthma medications while at school.”

In the United States, laws exist in every state that allow students to carry their inhalers during the school day. However, despite these protections, some students still face obstacles due to general anti-drug policies that restrict medication use. These policies, though well-intended, can inadvertently prevent students from accessing their prescribed medications during emergencies.

Asthma remains a serious public health issue, with over 10 Americans dying from asthma attacks each day. While the overall death rate from asthma has declined in recent years, each death represents a tragedy that could often be avoided with timely treatment. Ryan’s story underscores the critical importance of immediate access to asthma medication and the devastating consequences that can follow when access is denied.

Ryan Gibbons’ untimely death is both heartbreaking and infuriating. His passing should never have happened, and it’s difficult to comprehend why common sense did not prevail. Yet in the wake of tragedy, Ryan’s legacy has become a force for change. His mother’s relentless pursuit of justice has saved countless lives and will continue to do so.

Let’s honor Ryan’s memory by sharing his story and spreading awareness about the dangers of limiting access to life-saving medication for children with asthma. It’s a powerful reminder of how one family’s fight can spark systemic change, ensuring that no other child has to face what Ryan did—alone and without help.

Please share this article to raise awareness and help protect children everywhere from preventable tragedies like this one.